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Abstract:

An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth is
disclosed. The orthodontic apparatus includes a first extension wire, a
second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. Each of the first and
second extension wires includes a proximal portion and a distal portion.
The proximal and distal portions and the palatal archwire are
manipulatable to apply corrective buccal, labial, and transverse forces
on the patient's dento-alveolar complex (DAC), thereby correcting the
shape of the patient's palate.

Claims:

1. An orthodontic apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth, the
apparatus comprising: a first extension wire including a proximal portion
and a distal portion, the proximal portion extending from a right
attachment member and manipulatable to apply a corrective buccal force on
the upper right posterior DAC within the patient's mouth when the
apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth, the distal portion
extending from the proximal portion and manipulatable to apply a
corrective labial force on the upper anterior DAC within the patient's
mouth when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth, the distal
portion terminating at a distal end on a side of the mouth opposite from
the proximal portion and manipulatable to apply a corrective buccal force
on some upper left posterior DAC; a second extension wire including a
proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion of the second
extension wire extending from a left attachment member and manipulatable
to apply a corrective buccal force on the upper left posterior DAC within
the patient's mouth when the apparatus is installed in the patient's
mouth, the distal portion of the second extension wire extending from the
proximal portion of the second extension wire and manipulatable to apply
a corrective labial force on the upper anterior DAC within the patient's
mouth when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth, the distal
portion of the second extension wire terminating at a distal end on a
side of the mouth opposite from the proximal end and manipulatable to
apply a corrective buccal force on some upper right posterior DAC; and a
palatal archwire including a right portion, a middle portion, and a left
portion, the right portion extending from a right side of the middle
portion to the right attachment member, the left portion extending from a
left side of the middle portion to the left attachment member, the middle
portion including a generally M-shaped configuration that comprises a
left loop, a middle loop, and a right loop, each of the left and right
loops including a generally inverted U-shaped configuration, the middle
loop including a generally inverted Ω-shaped configuration, the
middle portion disposed between the first and second extension wires and
a horizontal axis extending through each of the right and left attachment
members, the middle portion disposed within a palate when the apparatus
is installed in the patient's mouth, the palatal archwire manipulatable
to apply a corrective transverse force on either or both sides of the
posterior DAC when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second extension wires,
the right and left attachment members, and the archwire comprise a metal
alloy.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the metal alloy comprises one or more
of carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and stainless steel.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the proximal portions
includes an attachment member.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein manipulation of the right attachment
member of the proximal portion of the first extension wire impacts the
corrective de-rotational force on the upper molars when the apparatus is
installed in the patient's mouth.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein manipulation of the left attachment
member of the proximal portion of the second extension wire impacts the
corrective de-rotational force on the upper molars when the apparatus is
installed in the patient's mouth.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the proximal portions
includes a stem member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein manipulation of the right stem member
of the proximal portion of the first extension wire secures the right
attachment member when the apparatus is installed in a patient's mouth.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the manipulation of the left stem
member of the proximal portion of the second extension wire secures the
left attachment member when the apparatus is installed in the patient's
mouth.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the distal portions
traverses at least some of the upper anterior and posterior DAC on the
opposite side of the mouth from the proximal portion of the extension
wire.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the left attachment member is
adapted for attachment to a left clasp member, and wherein the right
attachment member is adapted for attachment to a right clasp member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the left clasp member is adapted
for mounting on an upper left mostly first molar of the patient's mouth
when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth, and wherein the
right clasp member is adapted for mounting on an upper right mostly first
molar of the patient's mouth when the apparatus is installed in the
patient's mouth.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the middle portion of the archwire
is elevated towards a higher portion of the palate of the patient's mouth
when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth.

14. A method of applying corrective forces to the upper DAC of a
patient's mouth, the method comprising: providing an orthodontic
apparatus for installation in a patient's mouth comprising a first
extension wire including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the
proximal portion extending from a right attachment member, a second
extension wire including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the
proximal portion of the second extension wire extending from a left
attachment member, a palatal archwire including a left portion, a middle
portion, and a right portion, the left portion extending from a left side
of the middle portion to the left attachment member, the right portion
extending from a right side of the middle portion to the right attachment
member, the middle portion including a generally M-shaped configuration
that comprises a left loop, a middle loop, and a right loop, each of the
left loop and the right loop including a generally inverted U-shaped
configuration, the middle loop including a generally inverted
Ω-shaped configuration; inserting the apparatus into a palate of
the patient's mouth; attaching the right attachment member to a first
clasp member mounted to an upper mostly right first molar; attaching the
left attachment member to a second clasp member mounted to another upper
mostly left first molar on an opposite side of the first clasp member;
manipulating each of the attachment members to apply a corrective
de-rotating force independently on each molar; manipulating the proximal
portion of the first extension wire to apply a corrective buccal force on
the right upper posterior DAC; manipulating the distal portion of the
first extension wire to apply a corrective labial force on at least some
of the upper anterior and left posterior DAC; manipulating the proximal
portion of the second extension wire to apply a corrective buccal force
on the left upper posterior DAC; manipulating the distal portion of the
second extension wire to apply a corrective labial force on at least some
of the upper anterior and right posterior DAC; manipulating the palatal
archwire to be disposed between the first and second extension wires and
a horizontal axis extending through each of the left and right attachment
members to apply a corrective transverse force on the upper DAC.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein each of the first and second extension
wires, the left and right attachment members, and the palatal archwire of
the orthodontic apparatus comprises a metal alloy.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the metal alloy comprises one or more
of carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and stainless steel.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein each of the proximal portions of the
orthodontic apparatus includes a stem member.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of manipulating the right
stem member of the proximal portion of the first extension wire comprises
clasping it over the right attachment member of the proximal portion of
the first extension wire.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of manipulating the left stem
member of the proximal portion of the second extension wire comprises
clasping it over the left attachment member of the proximal portion of
the second extension wire.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein the distal portion of the first
extension wire traverses at least some of the upper anterior teeth on the
side of the mouth opposite to the side of the mouth where the proximal
portion of the first extension wire is located; and the distal portion of
the second extension wire traverses at least some of the upper anterior
teeth on the side of the mouth opposite to the side of the mouth where
the proximal portion of the second extension wire is located.

21. The method of claim 14 wherein the middle portion of the archwire is
elevated towards a higher portion of the palate of the patient's mouth
when the apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth.

22. The method of claim 14 wherein each of the manipulating steps can be
repeated in order to provide a desired amount of corrective force.

23. The method of claim 22 wherein the middle portion of the archwire is
elevated towards a higher portion of the palate of the patient's mouth
when the apparatus is installed in a patient's mouth.

24. A device for shaping a palate, comprising: a pair of attachment
members; a pair of extension wires, each of the extension wires
protruding from one of the attachment members and having a distal portion
and a proximal portion; and a palatal archwire spanning the pair of
attachment members and having a middle portion, wherein the device is
configured so that when installed in a mouth: the pair of attachment
members is attached to the upper first molars to independently apply
force to the pair of upper first molars; the middle portion is in the
palate, anterior to the attachment members and higher than the extension
wires to apply transverse force to the DAC; the pair of extension wires
is anterior to the attachment members with each of the proximal portions
positioned to apply buccal force to the DAC; and the distal portion of
each extension wire curves behind upper front teeth and at least
partially overlaps the proximal portion of the other extension wire to
apply labial force to the DAC and buccal force to the DAC on the opposite
side.

Description:

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for applying
corrective forces within a patient's mouth, and more particularly to
applying transverse, buccal, and labial forces to correct a patient's
palate by use of a shaping device.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] A palatal arch expander assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,816,800. And various palatal and other orthodontic devices are
available commercially from various sources such as an orthodontic
laboratory in Park Rapids, Minn. known as NorthStar Orthodontics, Inc.
NorthStar Orthodontics provides, for example, the Porter Arch and the
Quad Helix Expander.

[0003] A palatal expander is also known as a rapid palatal expander, a
rapid maxillary expansion appliance, a palate expander, or an orthodontic
expander. A palatal expander is used to expand the palate of a patient
apart to allow the upper jaw to widen. Although the use of an expander is
most common in children, it can be and has selectively been used in
adults. In widening the upper jaw of the patient, the known expanders can
result in physical separation of the upper jaw and can also result in a
large gap between the patient's upper two front teeth.

[0004] Since the palate as a bone (the palatine processes) serves as the
roof of the oral cavity as well as the floor of the nasal cavity, a
significant consequence of the known expanders is that they can alter the
anatomical relationship between the oral cavity and the nasal cavity.
These known expanders can result in the functional disruption of the
palatine processes as the anatomical barrier, causing communication
between these cavities. Patients may experience pressure, pain, and
headaches while wearing palatal expanders. Braces typically are used to
straighten all or some of the patient's teeth after an expander has been
used to widen the patient's upper jaw.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The invention relates to orthodontic devices and methods for
applying corrective forces within a patient's dentitions and bones known
as the dento-alveolar complex (DAC) to, for example, correct the shape of
the patient's palate as the geometric configuration into a proper
morphologic anatomical structure of a human mouth. The patient can be a
male or female human of almost any age.

[0006] The palate shaper of the invention moves teeth as one unit of the
DAC into the ideal shape of human dental arch; therefore shaping the
alveolar bones and palatine processes which increases the parameter of
the dental arch. Thus, this orthodontic shaping device has little or no
effect on the mid-palatine suture, rarely resulting in clinical symptoms
of pressure, pain, headaches, or a gap between the upper two front teeth.
There is little or no anatomical disruption between the oral and nasal
cavities.

[0007] In one aspect, the invention relates to an orthodontic apparatus
for installation in a patient's mouth. The apparatus includes a first
extension wire, a second extension wire, and a palatal archwire. The
first extension wire includes a proximal portion and a distal portion.
The proximal portion of the first extension wire extends from a right
attachment member and is manipulatable to apply a corrective buccal force
on the upper right posterior DAC within the patient's palate when the
apparatus is installed in the patient's mouth. The distal portion of the
first extension wire extends from the proximal portion and is
manipulatable to apply a corrective labial force on the upper anterior
DAC and selectively a corrective buccal force on some upper left
posterior DAC within the patient's palate when the apparatus is installed
in the patient's mouth. The distal portion of the first extension wire
terminates at a distal end. When the apparatus is installed, the distal
end of the first extension is in the opposite side of the palate from the
proximal portion of the first extension wire, adjacent to the proximal
portion of the s second extension wire. The second extension wire
includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of
the second extension wire extends from a left attachment member and is
manipulatable to apply a corrective buccal force on the upper left
posterior DAC within the patient's palate when the apparatus is installed
in the patient's mouth. The distal portion of the second extension wire
extends from the proximal portion of the second extension wire and is
manipulatable to apply a corrective labial force on the upper anterior
DAC and selectively a corrective buccal force on some right posterior DAC
within the patient's palate when the apparatus is installed in the
patient's mouth. The distal portion of the second extension wire
terminates at a distal end, which, when installed, is in the opposite
side of the palate from the proximal portion of the second extension
wire; adjacent to the proximal portion of the first extension wire. The
palatal archwire includes a right portion, a middle portion, and a left
portion. The right portion extends from a right side of the middle
portion to the right attachment member. The left portion extends from a
left side of the middle portion to the left attachment member. The middle
portion includes a generally M-shaped configuration that comprises a left
loop, a middle loop, and a right loop. Each of the left and right loops
includes a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. The middle loop
includes a generally inverted Ω-shaped configuration. The middle
portion is disposed between the first and second extension wires and a
horizontal axis extending through each of the right and left attachment
members. When installed in a patient's palate, the middle portion of the
palatal archwire is disposed within the patient's palate. The palatal
archwire is manipulatable to apply a corrective transverse force on
either or both sides of the posterior DAC when the apparatus is installed
in the patient's mouth.

[0008] In one embodiment according to this aspect of the invention, the
first and second extension wires, the right and left attachment members,
and the palatal archwire can comprise a metal alloy. The metal alloy can
comprise one or more of carbon, chromium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and
stainless steel.

[0009] In another embodiment according to this aspect of the invention,
each of the proximal portions can include a stem member. When installed
in a patient's mouth, the stem member of the proximal portion of the
first extension wire can be attached to the right attachment member to
secure the apparatus. Similarly, the stem member of the proximal portion
of the second extension wire can be attached to the left attachment
member to secure the apparatus when the apparatus is installed in the
patient's mouth.

[0010] In another embodiment according to this aspect of the invention,
each of the distal portions of extension wires can traverse the upper
anterior dentitions and at least some of the posterior dentitions on the
opposite side of the palate. Each of the right and left attachment
members can be adapted for attachment to a right clasp member and a left
clasp member and each is manipulatable to apply the corrective
de-rotating force independently on a molar when the apparatus is
installed in the patient's palate. Each of the right and left clasp
members can be mounted to an upper molar on opposite sides of the
patient's palate. The palatal archwire can be elevated towards a higher
portion of the palate of the patient's mouth when the apparatus is
installed in the patient's mouth.

[0011] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of applying
corrective forces to the upper DAC of a patient's palate. The method
includes providing an orthodontic apparatus, such as the orthodontic
apparatus described above, for installation in a patient's mouth,
inserting the apparatus into a palate of the patient's mouth, securing
the right attachment member to a first clasp member mounted to an upper
right molar, securing the left attachment member to a second clasp member
mounted to an upper left molar manipulating each of the attachment
members to apply the corrective de-rotating force independently on each
molar, manipulating the proximal portion of the first extension wire to
apply a corrective buccal force on the upper right posterior DAC,
manipulating the distal portion of the first extension wire to apply a
corrective labial force on at least some upper anterior DAC and
selectively a corrective buccal force on at least some upper left
posterior DAC, manipulating the proximal portion of the second extension
wire to apply a corrective buccal force on the upper left posterior DAC,
manipulating the distal portion of the second extension wire to apply a
corrective labial force on at least some upper anterior DAC and
selectively a corrective buccal force on at least some upper right
posterior DAC, and manipulating the palatal archwire to be disposed
between the first and second extension wires and a horizontal axis
extending through each of the right and left attachment members and to
apply a corrective transverse force on the upper DAC.

[0012] In one embodiment according to this aspect of the invention, each
of the first and second extension wires, the right and left attachment
members, and the palatal archwire of the orthodontic apparatus comprises
a metal alloy. The metal alloy can comprise one or more of carbon,
chromium, cobalt, manganese, nickel, and stainless steel.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the proximal portions of the
orthodontic apparatus includes a stem member. The step of manipulating
the first stem member of the proximal portion of the first extension wire
includes clasping it over the right attachment member to secure the
apparatus, when the apparatus is in the patient's mouth. The step of
manipulating the second stem member of the proximal portion of the second
extension wire includes clasping it over the left attachment member to
secure the apparatus, when the apparatus is installed in the patient's
mouth.

[0014] In another embodiment, each of the distal portions of the
orthodontic apparatus traverses the upper anterior dentitions and at
least some of the posterior dentitions on the opposite side of the
palate. The palatal archwire is elevated towards a higher portion of the
palate of the patient's mouth when the apparatus is installed in the
patient's mouth. Each of the manipulating steps can be repeated in order
to provide a desired amount of corrective force. The middle portion of
the palatal archwire can be elevated towards a higher portion of the
palate of the patient's mouth when the apparatus is installed in the
patient's mouth.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention relates to a device for shaping a
palate. The device includes a pair of attachment members, a pair of
extension wires--each protruding from one of the attachment members--and
a palatal archwire spanning the attachment members. Each of the extension
wires has a proximal portion attached to one of the attachment members as
well as a distal portion. Each of the extension wires has a distal end.
The attachment members--attached to the proximal portions of the
extension wires--are generally held a distance apart from each other by
the palatal archwire that is attached to each of them near its ends,
leaving a middle portion spanning the area between the two attachment
members. The middle portion of the palatal archwire is formed into three
consecutive semi-loops that are substantially co-planar and open in
alternating directions. The device is configured to be installed in a
palate with the pair of attachment members attached to a pair of clasp
members mounted mostly on upper first molar to independently control the
rotating force inflicted upon the pair of upper first molars. The device
is configured to be installed in a mouth with the middle portion of the
palatal archwire in the palate--anterior to the attachment members and
higher than the extension wires--to apply transverse force to the DAC.
The device is configured to be installed in a patient's mouth with the
pair of extension wires anterior to the attachment members with each of
the proximal portions positioned to apply buccal force to the DAC. The
device is configured to be installed in a patient's mouth with the distal
portions of the extension wires traversed behind upper anterior
dentitions to apply labial force to DAC and at least partially
overlapping the proximal portion of the other extension wire to apply
some buccal force to the DAC of the opposite side.

[0016] These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention
will become apparent through reference to the following description,
drawings, and claims. It is noted that aspects of the embodiments
described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various
combinations and permutations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the
same or similar parts throughout the different views. The drawings are
intended to illustrate both the details of various embodiments according
to the invention as well as the principles of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of an orthodontic apparatus
before the first and second extension wires are manipulated into a
desired configuration.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a top view of the orthodontic apparatus after the first
and second extension wires are manipulated into a desired configuration.

[0021]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the orthodontic apparatus after the
first and second extension wires are manipulated into a desired
configuration.

[0022]FIG. 5 is a top view of the orthodontic apparatus similar to FIG. 1
but including right and left clasp members.

[0023]FIG. 6 is a top view of the orthodontic apparatus of FIG. 5 after
the first and second extension wires are manipulated into a desired
configuration.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a top view of the right and left clasp members mounted on
opposed molars in a patient's mouth.

[0025]FIG. 8 is a top view of the orthodontic apparatus after the
orthodontic apparatus has been installed into the patient's mouth.

DESCRIPTION

[0026] In general, the invention relates to orthodontic devices and
methods for applying corrective forces in three dimensions: transverse,
buccal, and labial, to shape the palate within a patient's mouth.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, in one embodiment
according to the invention, an orthodontic apparatus 100 includes a first
extension wire 102, a second extension wire 104, and a palatal archwire
106. The first extension wire 102 includes a proximal portion 102A and a
distal portion 102B.

[0028] The proximal portion 102A of the first extension wire 102 extends
from a right attachment member 108. The distal portion 102B of the first
extension wire 102 extends from the proximal portion 102A and terminates
at a distal end 102C. The second extension wire 104 includes a proximal
portion 104A and a distal portion 104B. The proximal portion 104A of the
extension wire 104 extends from a left attachment member 110. The distal
portion 104B of the second extension wire 104 extends from the proximal
portion 104A and terminates at a distal end 104C.

[0029] The first extension wire 102 and the second extension wire 104 are
manipulatable such that each of the proximal portions 102A, 104A and the
distal portions 102B, 104B are configured to apply corrective buccal and
labial forces on DAC and teeth (not shown in Figures) when the apparatus
100 is installed in a patient's mouth. These corrective forces can be
adjusted to rotate, torque, or angle the molars. For example, the distal
portion 104B of the second extension wire 104 can be manipulated to
overlap over the distal portion 102B and over some of the proximal
portion 102A of the first extension wire 102. The precise shape chosen
for the distal portions 102B and 104B will vary to suit a particular
application.

[0030] The palatal archwire 106 includes a right portion 112, a middle
portion 114, and a left portion 116. The right portion 112 extends from
the right attachment member 108 to the right side of the middle portion
114. The left portion 116 extends from the left attachment member 110 and
extends to the left side of the middle portion 114. The middle portion
114 includes a right loop 118, a middle bend 120, and a left loop 122.
The middle portion 114 can be configured in a variety of configurations.
In one embodiment, the middle portion 114 has a generally M-shaped
configuration and each of the right loop 118 and the left loop 122
includes a generally inverted U-shaped configuration. The middle loop 120
includes a generally inverted Ω-shaped configuration.

[0031] The middle portion 114 is disposed between: the first extension
wire 102; the second extension wire 104; and a horizontal axis extending
through the right attachment member 108 and the left attachment member
110. Accordingly, the apparatus of the invention comprises a middle
portion 114 an extension wire 102, and an extension wire 104, which--when
the apparatus is installed in a patient's mouth--are each located
anterior to both right attachment member 108 and left attachment member
110.

[0032] In operation, the middle portion 114 is disposed within a higher
portion of the patient's palate when the apparatus 100 is installed in a
patient's mouth. The palatal archwire 106 is manipulatable and configured
to apply corrective transverse force on the upper DAC when the apparatus
100 is installed in a patient's mouth. These corrective forces can be
adjusted unilaterally or bilaterally to rotate, torque, or angle the
molars. In accordance with the invention, the three-dimensional
corrective force on the patient's DAC and molars results in correction of
the shape of the patient's palate.

[0033] Each of the first extension wire 102, the second extension wire
104, the right attachment member 108, the left attachment member 110, and
the palatal archwire 106 can be formed from a metal alloy. The metal
alloy can comprise one or more of carbon, chromium, manganese, nickel,
and stainless steel. The material chosen for the apparatus 100 will vary
to suit a particular application.

[0034] The apparatus 100 also includes a first stem member 124 and a
second stem member 126. The first stem member 124 is disposed on the
proximal portion 102A of the first extension wire 102. The second stem
member 126 is disposed on the proximal portion 104A of the second
extension wire 104. Each of the first stem member 124 and the second stem
member 126 is configured to secure the first attachment member 108 and
the second attachment member 110 when the apparatus 100 is installed in a
patient's palate.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the apparatus 100 also includes a right
clasp member 300 and a left clasp member 302, and the clasp members are
mounted onto the palatal side of preferably orthodontic molar bands. Each
of the right clasp member 300 and the left clasp member 302 is adapted
for attachment to the right attachment member 108 and the left attachment
member 110. In operation, the right clasp member 300 is attached to an
upper right first molar 200 and the left clasp member 302 is attached to
an upper left first molar 202.

[0036] In one embodiment, after clasp member 300 and clasp member 302 are
attached, apparatus 100 is then inserted into the palate of a patient's
mouth. The right attachment member 108 is inserted into right clasp
member 300, and the right stem member 124 is manipulated over the right
attachment member 108 to lock. The left attachment member 110 is inserted
into left clasp member 302, and the left stem member 126 is manipulated
over the left attachment member 110 to lock. Each of the attachment
members 108 and 110 can be manipulated to apply the corrective
de-rotating force independently on each first molar 200 and 202.

[0037] By inserting right attachment member 108 into the right clasp
member 300 around to upper first molar 200, the proximal portion 102A of
the first extension wire 102 can be manipulated to apply corrective
buccal force on the upper right posterior DAC of teeth 200, 204, and 206,
and selectively right second molar 226.

[0038] By inserting left attachment member 110 into the left clasp member
302 around the upper left molar 202, the proximal portion 104A of the
second extension wire 104 can be manipulated to apply corrective buccal
force on the upper left posterior DAC of teeth 220, 222, and 202 and
selectively left second molar 228.

[0039] The distal portion 102B of the first extension wire 102 can be
manipulated to apply corrective labial force on the DAC of at least some
of upper anterior dentitions 208, 210, 212, 214, and 216, and some
selective corrective buccal force on teeth 218, 220, and 222. The distal
portion 104B of the second extension wire 104 can be manipulated to apply
corrective labial force on the DAC of at least some of upper anterior
dentitions 210, 212, 214, 216, and 218; some selective corrective buccal
force on teeth 208, 206, and 204

[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, the overlapping area of distal
portion 102B and distal portion 104B, when the apparatus is installed in
a patient's mouth, wraps around the patient's mouth such that the
overlapping area is behind teeth 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, and
220; selectively behind teeth 204 and 222.

[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, an operator may manipulate
distal portion 102B and distal portion 104B to finely customize the
corrective labial and buccal forces that those portions apply to the DAC.
By having a highly customizable distal portion 102B and distal portion
104B, the apparatus provides the advantageous result of allowing an
operator to provide finely-controlled and differential amounts of labial
and buccal forces, precisely positioned, on individual teeth or areas of
the DAC, in a patient's mouth, resulting in achieving the desired
morphological anatomical structure precisely, quickly, painlessly, and
efficiently.

[0042] When the apparatus is installed in a patient's mouth, some of
distal portion 102B overlaps with some of proximal portion 104A, and some
of distal portion 104B overlaps with some of proximal portion 102A.
Accordingly, when the apparatus is installed in a patient's mouth, distal
end 102C lies adjacent to proximal portion 104A, and distal end 104C lies
adjacent to proximal portion 102A.

[0043] An operator of the apparatus may manipulate the palatal archwire
106 to be disposed between: the first extension wire 102; the second
extension wire 104; and a horizontal axis extending through right
attachment member 300 and left attachment member 302. In this
disposition, palatal archwire 106 can be employed to apply corrective
transverse force on either or both of the DAC of upper molars 200 and 202
and thus correct the shape of the patent's palate.

[0044] The device can be configured so that, if it is installed in a
patient's mouth, each of the pair of attachment members attach to one of
a pair of clasp members. As illustrated in FIG. 7, each of the clasp
members 300 and 302 can be attached mostly to upper first molars 200 and
202 on the palatal sides of the mouth. As pictured in FIG. 8, the device
can be configured to be attached to clasp members 300 and 302.

[0045] The device is configured so that, if it is installed in a patient's
mouth, the middle portion 114 of palatal archwire 106 and both of the
extension wires 102 and 104 protrude in the anterior direction from the
attachment members, as illustrated in FIG. 6. As illustrated in FIG. 2,
if the device is installed in a patient's mouth, the middle portion of
the palatal archwire is within the boundary demarcated by: proximal
portion 102A; the overlapping distal portions 102B and 104B; proximal
portion 104B; the axis protruding through the two attachment members 108
and 110. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the middle portion of the palatal
archwire is higher than the extension wires so that it will be positioned
in the patient's palate. An operator may advantageously employ this
aspect of this configuration of the invention to cause bilateral or
unilateral transverse force to be applied to the DAC.

[0046] The invention of the present disclosure provides a novel apparatus
and method of treatment to: increases the dental arch parameter by
shaping the patient's palate into a morphologically corresponding
geometry of human mouth; independently rotate, torque, apply transverse,
buccal and labial forces to the upper anterior and upper posterior
regions of the DAC; shape the alveolar processes; and shape the palatine
processes. Aspects of the apparatus function to move teeth as a single
unit of the dento-alveolar complex and increase the parameter of the
dental arch. Operation and use of the apparatus has little or no effect
on the mid-palatine suture, and results in little or no anatomical
disruption between the oral and nasal cavities By supplying these
functions in a single apparatus, the apparatus provides the advantageous
result of allowing an operator to provide finely controlled and
differential amounts of transverse, buccal, and labial force, precisely
positioned, on individual teeth or areas of the DAC, in a patient's
mouth, resulting in achieving the desired geometric configuration of
morphologic anatomical structure precisely, quickly, painlessly, and
efficiently.

[0047] Various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed
herein. The disclosed embodiments and details should not be construed as
limiting but instead as illustrative of some embodiments and the
principles of the invention.